Fishing Report Archives

Hello Y'all!

Windy, windy, windy! Some days have been OK but most recently it's been where can we fish instead of where do we want to fish. Nature goes on and the crappie spawn is upon us. I saw the surface temps pass 70 Saturday afternoon. I'm yet to see any spawned out crappie but it shouldn't be long. Many of the crappie we've caught have been in 4 feet or less. There are still plenty in 5-20 feet that are biding their time.

Lots of folks are slow trolling, either spider rigging or long lining. Most spider riggers have a minnow bucket close by. The livescopers are always out in force.

I broke out the Off Shore Tackle planer boards last week since three of the trips included kids. I know I grew up crappie fishing with a bobber. Planer boards are a lot like watching a moving bobber so kids young and old love them. They allow us to troll into bays and coves and put the baits up closer to the banks without spooking fish with the boat. They also give a good visual reference of where the baits actually are. They were a hit and very productive. Crappie usually just pull the boards backwards but when the board disappears and leaves a hole in the water where it was, you can usually expect something much bigger than a two pound crappie. Did I mention that other species are also going shallow and love Crankbaits? Namely catfish, drums, and white bass. Nice specimens of those were also landed last week.

I will say I'm disappointed with the lack of sauger that are being caught. In recent years we would be catching several keepers but they are yet to show. The size of the crappie we are catching is most impressive. Good spawns 3-4 years ago that produced all those pesky 9 1/2 inch crappie a couple of years ago, are producing some noteworthy sized fish. We've had several over two pounds with our average size being personal best for many clients.

The new Skeeter Solera 205 is a hit with my clients. It is one comfortable boat to fish out of the way I choose to fish. Safe and comfortable are always good qualities to have in a boat.

Some good gills and Redears are starting to show up. Folks must be able to tell the species apart since there is a limit of 20 on Redears. While there is no creel or size limit on bluegills, I also don't see a reason why catching a 40 quart cooler full of 6 inch bluegills should be considered a good thing. Lots of fish get wasted every year because folks get tired of cleaning tiny gills. Cleaning a couple hundred gills is WORK! My arthritic hands no longer allow me to do it.

May full moons are the 1st and 30th. Worms, crickets, Popeye jig's with wax worms and several other baits will put them in the boat. Watch out for the channel catfish around bluegill beds. They will be there in droves.

Be careful out there! Watch out for those who won't or don't watch out for you wear your PFDs when on plane.

Welcome to our slice of Heaven!